Short stories about the lives of the residents of Camden Corners. A village in Upstate New York at the beginning of the 20th Century. You will meet old friends time and again and new friends and neighbors with each story. Share the many tales of love, romance, family and friends as well as a few mysteries thrown in for good measure.
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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Second Time Around ~ Part 2

The
weeks ahead were filled with happy times. Nettie couldn't wait to
decorate a little alcove of her apartment for baby Faith. It became
clear that her cozy apartment was just not big enough. Polly was
apologetic that she and Faith had caused Nettie any inconvenience but
Nettie was happier than she had been in a very long time.

Oscar
had a solution, the women could move into his large home. There was
way too much room for just one person. Polly and Faith would each
have a room of their own. Nettie blushed knowing there were only
three bedrooms in the house but Oscar sat her down on the sofa, tried
his best to get down on one knee and slipped a beautiful diamond ring
on her finger. Nettie said yes and they were married in the chapel
that very weekend. The reception was in full swing when the door of
O'Sullivan's Pub swung open and James Philpot appeared with a smirk
on his face.

“Where
is my daughter” he shouted staring directly at Polly.

Diana
Taylor was holding the baby at the time and stepped into the
background. Oscar approached the cocky fellow and was pushed aside.
Robert and Richard were on their feet immediately. Oscar, always
the negotiator, tried talking quietly to James. James walked
directly to Polly and demanded she present him with his baby.

“You
mean the baby you wanted me to get rid of, James”.

He
was surprised by the strength in her voice but continued “My child
is somewhere in this room and I will find it, take it and you will
never see it again.”

That
was all Sheriff Mendenhall needed. He slapped cuffs on James and
with the help of several of the men dragged him to the jailhouse to
sober up and cool down.

Polly
was mortified. Because of her, James had ruined Oscar and Nettie's
wedding reception. “No, no” said Nettie “The party has just
begun”.

The
festivities went on but Polly found herself wondering if James really
did have any claim to Faith. Randy Burke was watching Polly from
across the room. He had been attracted to her the moment he first
laid eyes on her. He could tell she was a loving mother just the way
she cared for little Faith. Maddie Mackenzie saw the glint in her
brother's eye when he looked at Polly. Maddie, always the romantic,
knew this was a match made in heaven and encouraged Randy to court
her. Randy knew Polly wasn't ready for a relationship with anyone.
He was willing to wait awhile before he let her know his feelings.
Even though Polly was smiling, he knew instinctively that she was
afraid of James Philpot and what he might do.

Randy
pulled Oscar aside and the two of them went out the back door and
into the law office down the street. Oscar put some papers together
and sent Randy on his way to the jailhouse. Randy was a big, husky
fellow and looked extremely mature for his age. He walked through
the jailhouse doors and confronted James in his cell. James had
sobered up just enough to be aware of Randy's presence.

“Hey
guy,” called Randy “I knew I couldn't be the father of Polly's
brat. I've got here some papers for you to sign telling the world
that you are the kid's father. Old man Crowley says I'm responsible
for that kid until she is 18 but I don't want any part of it.
Polly's kinda cute but who needs to be dragged down by a dame and a
kid. Sign these and I'll be outta here.”

“Hey,
wait a minute, that's your kid? Hey Sheriff, let me out and I'll be
out of town before the street lights go on.”

“Not
so fast” came a voice from behind. “My client here is willing to
give up custody of his kid to you” drawled Richard Crowley. “I've
got some papers for you to sign Pops”.

“Hey,
wait just one minute” chimed Robert Crowley. You shouldn't have to
be saddled with a kid now when you are such a young fellow. I have
some papers here saying you are not the father of the little troll.
Sign these and for a small fee of $100, I will file them in court
for you tomorrow and just let that Polly try to collect any child
support from you.”

James
reached in his pocket and gave Richard all the money he had, grabbed
the papers, signed them and was gone before the cell door closed
behind him. The four men shook hands and delivered the papers and
the $100 to Polly who was noticing Randy Burke for the first time.
Everyone joined in the celebration as Oscar exclaimed

“Love
is lovelier, the second time around”.

Polly
looked into Randy's eyes and whispered. “Falling in love for the
first time is quite lovely too.”